9 Flotilla Facts

The upcoming flotilla violates international law and intends to provoke violent confrontation.

Last year, anti-Israel extremists and Turkish jihadists organized a flotilla to violate Israel's naval blockade of Hamas-controlled Gaza. The Israeli Navy redirected five of the boats to the Israeli port of Ashdod without incident. However, those on the sixth boat refused to cooperate. When Israeli officers boarded the ship, the Turkish jihadists brutally attacked them with knives, metal bars, and guns. Nine jihadists were killed.

This year, the same anti-Israel extremists are planning another international flotilla against Israel. Originally, they anticipated they would have 10 to 15 ships with 1,000 to 4,000 passengers from 32 countries. They repeatedly encountered difficulties. At the time of this writing, (6-27-11) it appears there will only be 8 to 10 ships with 200 to 500 people, and the sailing date is still uncertain. Reports have also surfaced that members of the 2011 Flotilla also plan to use violence, and possibly chemical weapons, against Israeli personnel.

Nine basic facts about the flotilla:

The flotilla organizers blatantly violate international law by trying to breach a legal maritime blockade. According to international and customary law, Israel has the legal right to impose a land and naval blockade on Hamas-controlled Gaza. Hamas is openly dedicated to Israel's destruction, has been in an ongoing state of armed conflict against Israel, and has fired over 10,000 rockets into Israeli civilian centers. Israel has the legal right and responsibility to protect its citizens by inspecting goods entering Gaza to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas.

The flotilla organizers intend to aid and support Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organization by members of the international community, including the U.S., Canada, Israel, the EU, Japan, and Jordan. Hamas' founding document calls for the murder of Jews, the obliteration of Israel, and Israel's replacement with an Islamist theocracy.

The flotilla organizers are trying to provoke a violent confrontation. If they were sincerely concerned about humanitarian aid for Gazans, they would deliver it through official Israeli entry points. Israel has repeatedly offered to deliver goods after officially inspecting them for weapons. The organizers have refused to comply. Instead, they hope their provocative, hostile breach of the blockade will compel Israel to use force and make Israel look like an aggressor.

Gazans are not facing a humanitarian emergency that justifies breaching the blockade. Humanitarian and consumer goods enter Gaza on a daily basis. UN officials repeatedly confirm that there is an ample supply of food and consumer goods. Israel only limits the entry of dual-purpose goods that could be used for weapons. International statistics indicate that Gazans have a higher standard of living than people in nearly all of Africa, including South Africa, as well as parts of Asia and the Middle East. In fact, Gaza faces a glut of goods, not a shortage of goods, according to recent press reports.

Hamas, not Israel, has caused the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Hamas has chosen war against Israel instead of peaceful coexistence. It has imposed a repressive, dictatorial, fundamentalist regime on Gaza residents and has murdered its political rivals.

Flotilla organizers claim to be "nonviolent" peace activists and "human rights" activists. They are not. They are members of extremist organizations that support terrorist groups and are dedicated to the destruction of Israel. The Free Gaza Movement is an affiliate of the International Solidarity Movement, which opposes the existence of the Jewish state. The IHH (Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation) is a Turkish Islamist organization with links to jihadist organizations in Bosnia, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere.

If flotilla organizers really were peace and human rights activists, they would not go to Gaza but to Libya or Syria, where the brutal Assad regime has arrested, tortured, and murdered thousands of nonviolent, freedom-seeking demonstrators and has caused thousands of others to become refugees.

The flotilla organizers are violating, not upholding, one of the most fundamental human rights; a nation's right and responsibility to protect itself from enemies bent on murdering its citizens and destroying its state. "As a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens." - U.S. President Barack Obama, May 1, 2011

International leaders oppose the flotilla.

U.S.: "[G]roups and individuals who seek to break Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza are taking irresponsible and provocative actions. We want to just reiterate that there are established and efficient mechanisms for getting humanitarian assistance through to Gaza." - U.S. State Department Spokesman Mark Toner, June 1, 2011

UN: "The secretary-general called on all governments concerned to use their influence to discourage such flotillas, which carry the potential to escalate into violent conflict."- Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, May 27, 2011

Canada: "Unauthorized efforts to deliver aid are provocative and, ultimately, unhelpful to the people of Gaza. Canada recognizes Israel's legitimate security concerns and its right to protect itself and its residents from attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including by preventing the smuggling of weapons." - Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, May 28, 2011

France: "[T]he boarding of any naval vessels which are known to have the intention of breaking the naval blockade imposed on Gaza is strongly discouraged, given the security risks associated with such an undertaking." - Official Statement

EU: "I don't consider a flotilla to be the right response." - Catherine Ashton, EU High Commissioner for Foreign Policy

Turkey: "We are reconsidering our plans [about participating in the flotilla]. From our point of view, the developments in neighboring Syria are critically important." - IHH Board Member H'seyin Oru, June 14, 2011.

About the Author

Visitor Comments: 16

(11)
Willy,
July 28, 2011 7:35 PM

flotilla

the comments on France is puzzling? it looks like they are condemning it. Didn't Germany do basically the same thing in WW2 when they went into France.
I believe firmly in solving problems peacefully. If you can. If not then do what you have to for the protection of your people. If that means boarding boats then do so. Did not the United States do that during the Cuban Missal Crises?
If the USA has the right to do that to protect its people then so do Israel to protect its people. GO FOR IT

(10)
Ben K,
July 8, 2011 9:46 PM

These Are Anti Israel Palestinian Terrorist Sympathizing Activists

Make no mistake about it.
I've seen the news videos and see these are primarily Palestinian or Moslem or Far Left Or Racist activists who would gladly help Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists in any way if they can. This is not about Aid at all as aid is easily accessable on land. It is Solidarity with those that Overwhelimingly Vote in Hamas terrorists to lead them. Gaza is full of Moslem Terrorist Groups - Hamas, Islamic Jhad, PFLP, Al Qeda, Al Aqsa. What Kind of People are theyt that sympathize with those that fire hunderds of rockets at Jewish homes in Southern Israel after Israel pulled out all its forces and residents from GAza? For SHAME

Anonymous,
July 10, 2011 12:03 AM

Novel Idea

If 'activists" of any stripe intended to make a Human Rights statement, they would rally behind Guilad Shalit, and Demand that he be released Immediately with no pre-conditions, or conditions of any kind. If any activist should wish to make a Bold statement, internationally, and be forever remembered as a particuliarly courageous, valiant, engaged, brilliant strategist - how about organizing a FREE Guilad Shalit unconditionally, to Gaza?? Now That would be a Bold, Daring, Brilliant Awe-Inspiring endeavor - simply Brazen and worthy of Historical Relevance!!!

(9)
Marvin Greenberg,
July 4, 2011 12:15 PM

Name the individuals and country of origin.

Don't let the individuals hide in pack! Name as many as possible, individually letting their friends and associates know what fools they are associated with.

Anonymous,
July 7, 2011 3:31 AM

Canadian University Professor!!

This latest illicit, criminal , illegal venture is startling and astoundingly stupefies what passes for even minimal common sense.
More jarring is the presence on board of a CANADIAN!!!!! University Professor a Mr. Heap - who teaches French and Linguistics at the University of Western Ontario. The sheer IDIOCY, of his half-witted decision to be part of this ill-advised and half-baked intrusion and violation of Maritime Law, bodes ill for the University of Western Ontario's Fine, Distinguished, Well-Earned International Reputation of one of Canada's Finest Universities.
Professor Heap has succumbed to "celebrity-hood" and feckless, is testing the waters of International LAW, while dragging his entire University along side his rash, puerile mindless and especially naive attempt to be relevant to himself. I simply shudder for the damage he is doing to all with whom he is associated. That one can be so insensate as to exercise such gullibility in public, is proof positive that witless minds bode ill for anyone whose educational pursuits are proven to have skin surface depth.

Anonymous,
July 8, 2011 12:30 AM

Does the University of Western not care????

Included is more information concerning one of the self-deluded, cowardly "activists,' who wants it both ways - respect for his campaigning on behalf of what he esteems to be "victims," (though Hamas, a TERRORIST organization, was elected to a leadership position) and personal respect, which oftentimes accompanies dedication to a Humanitarian Cause.
"...Book Reviewer’s Background, Biases Need To Be Declared
April 7, 2010 12:17 by BackSpin Editor
HonestReporting Canada director Mike Fegelman got op-ed space in the London Free Press to debunk a book review.
The problem? David Heap, who reviewed a book with the ugly title, " Canada and Israel Building Apartheid," has his own partisan background, which the LFP never disclosed. Fegelman points out:
Heap is a self-described pro-Palestinian political "anti-war" and "social justice activist," a strident supporter of "Israel Apartheid Week" and a participant of the so-called "Gaza freedom march." He's also a signatory to the "Cairo Declaration to End Israeli Apartheid" and to a letter sent to PM Harper alleging that Israel was "targeting civilians" and conducting "collective punishment." The fact that none of these affiliations was acknowledged by Heap is disturbing and the fact that an anti-Israel adherent was given the opportunity to review an anti-Israel book has only resulted in a sycophantic and uncritical review that has greatly mislead Free Press readers....

(8)
P Herring,
July 4, 2011 1:29 AM

Will the flotilla sail from Turkey

The International Media will hope so - after all in Israel and Gaza their "corresponents" have encouraged and promoted violence for years resulting in death to so many, on both sides, most of whom were innocent bystanders.
Israel will have in place plans to deal with the ships should they actually sail - without jeopardising national security Israel should announce their intentions before the flotilla ever leaves port- this will cause adverse comments from world media, but when, other that in isolated cases since 1948, has the media ever been supportive of the Jewish State. Flotilla participants, and governments of their countries of origin, must be aware of the situation their citizens face if they will try to prevent Israeli Inspection of their ships.
It must be expected that the flotilla may use women and possibly children as human shields for media publicity at such time as the IDF board their vessels - again this fact should be widely publicised before/if the flotilla sails - Hamas has no qualms about killing children if it serves their interests.
Bottom line is that Israel should say how they are going to deal with the flotilla and then, despite enormous pressure from even so called "friendly" nations, do exactly what they have said they would do.
All cargo the ships are to carry can legally enter Gaza via Israel-as such the reason for the flotilla can only be to carry cargo detrimental to Israel's security.

(7)
Bryan,
July 4, 2011 12:30 AM

If they won't listen,change tactics

If everyone else says it's peaceful,and you say it's not,something has to change to make people see Israel is not the aggressor. It sounds like their main goal is to get stopped and provoke a violent confrontation.
First,Israel,take Hamas reps with you,stop the ships,and tell them you want them to pass as quickly as possible,without any violence. Pair off,Israeli with Hamas,and search everything,while video is recorded by both sides. Seize anything questionable and let them pass,all the while,saying you wish there was a better way to peace. Thank them and say you look forward to future endeavors. I know it's not a perfect world,but how can that not work? No matter how wrong the other side is,we don't change by pointing fingers at each other.

Kira,
July 4, 2011 6:43 PM

If only ...

Your suggestion would make sense if Hamas had the same values as you do, and would behave in the way that you describe. A Hamas soldier would kill an Israeli soldier if he were paired up with him, they see it as their religious and moral duty.

(6)
R.Eluchans,
July 3, 2011 6:53 PM

Flotilla 2 to Gaza : don't care for Palestinians

This second flotilla of provocateurs, jihadist/terrorists and full westerners do do not care for the Palestians.
Their main goal is to attack Israel. The jihadist & terrorirsts' goal is: destruction of Israel. Westerners who support this flotilla are ignorants useful idiots, who hate the Jews. It is time for the western media to say this & indicate that their attempt is illegal.

(5)
Anonymous,
July 3, 2011 4:37 PM

flotilla organizers and "activists" are wasting their energy on the wrong spot.

I am thankful to read this report, so that I can grasp the insane reasons these flotillas are organized to create a violent reponse from Israel. They want to die at Israeli hands and be martyrs.

Anonymous,
July 4, 2011 6:44 PM

our sons

You know what? We don't want our boys to have to kill them.

(4)
mariana,
July 3, 2011 4:16 PM

Never

They will not succeed, take my word

(3)
casale,
July 3, 2011 4:16 PM

flotilla

provocating with what so ever number of ship or flotilla the state of isarel is not a solution for ever lasting peace.
the solution for peace must come from all religious leaders around middle east ,and not from people that absolutly dont understand the balance that keep the entire planet earth moving.

(2)
Pamela,
July 3, 2011 4:12 PM

Gaza

What the ignorant media and world leaders do not seem to know, is there was only 600,000 Arabs that left Israel in 1948 when told to by the Arab invading armies not thrown out by Israel, so they are the sole responsiblity of the Arab countries who must be forced to take in all the so called Arab refugees, what is completely ignored is there was ONR MILLION Jewish refugees who were tjrown out penniless from the Arab countries in 1948 that is 400,000 more than Arabs that left Israel in 1948 so why should a new country be made for the Arabs and the Jewish refugees ignored
( with the Arab way of thinking , that would be 800 million Jewish refugees by now) In 1947 a few months before the Land of Israel became the New State of Israel there was 15 million refugees who fled to the West from India and Pakistan, if the West could take in 15 million then the Arab countries should have taken in the 600,000 Arab refugees, expecially as they threw out ONE MILLION Jewish refugees. Hs India and Pakistan been told to take back their refugees or make a nice new country between them, of cause not there is one rule for the Arabs and another for Israel. NO new country must be made for the Arabs. There was never a country called Arab palestine, nor was the Land of Israel ever a Arab country . The Jewish people have lived continually in the Land of Israel for over 3,000 years, that is over 2,000 years before Islam was created in Saudi Arabia 1,300 years ago, and over 1,000 years befoe Christians were on this earth, Israel is a Jewish country and please G-D always will be.
99% of the Arabs in Gaza never came from the Land of Israel they come from many countries around the Middle East, as well as from the UK , America Pakistan , infact most countries, to increase the population of Gaza, which recieves the highest aid around the world, so they do not have to work, so have the time to carry out their favorate hobby killing Israeli's.

(1)
Judith Gold,
June 30, 2011 12:34 PM

The real shame is that Jews who need this info won't read it.

We have historically supported the "underdogs" and by a twist of logic, the liberal-minded among of us believe that it is "Jewish" to support " others to prove our universal compassion." ...like visiting people in hospitals over Xmas- but not Chanukkah. It's the assimilationist mind set- and for these Yidden- the Sho'ah has taught nothing about the eternal linkage among the Jewish People.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

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